Ordered new and received 106L 5/8 x 3/8. been trying to fit it all day and I think its about a inch to short. Have I done some sort of basic mistake? is there a bolt or something to miss when threading the chain through the rear of the engine? I have managed to get it on but no way will the wheel go back even to its minimum setting. Any assistance gratefully received. Its a 1968 Thunderbolt export model.
Regards Jim
Hi,
What size gearbox sprocket is fitted? Just one tooth can make a big difference.
Dave.
No idea at present , will have to have a try at counting, that would sound like a possible explanation if its one tooth more because thats what I seem to be out size wise.
Regards Jim
Hi,
It is also worth considering that the A65 chain gets tighter under load. The slack is meant to be measured under load so it may seem just about right but when the bike is sat on and/or goes over a bump the compression of the suspension will make the chain momentarily go very tight. Ultimately it may well fail - I know.
If the 106 will only just go on then it is definitely too short. I found that with a 21t sprocket even 108 links was a bit short. I now fit 110 links and after some use and adjustment remove 2 links and the wheel goes back to the front of the slots.
Dave.
Ordering a 110 chain and the tool now. Must be the way forward.
Thanks for the help,
Regards Jim
Hi there,
I fitted a 21T sprocket to my 1966 Lightning a few years ago and I had to buy a special cranked half link, which is one and a half links when fitted, with two split links in the rear chain to get the rear wheel adjusters in the right place.
Thanks will keep that in mind when it arrives.
Regards Jim
Hi,
The cranked half link is an alternative to fitting a longer chain and then shortening it once it has bedded in/worn a bit as removing the cranked link would have the same effect as shortening the chain. I think that despite spring links being very reliable one is preferable to two if it can be avoided.
Dave.
Ok chain arrived today 110 offered it up and with the adjusters slackened right off I needed 3 links out so 107 and it seems to fit perfectly but a bit more investigation is needed as to the post about slack.
Regards Jim
Good morning Jim,
I have just been out and counted the links on a new chain I have just fitted and I have 108 plus the connecting link. This positions the wheel about half way back. I think I said 110 because that is usually the length of a boxed chain rather than buying loose. So, 108 plus connecting link is what I start with and then eventually, as 2 links have to be removed at a time, reduce to 106 plus connecting link.
If you have standard length shocks on the rear the bike will sit with swinging arm sloping down slightly, especially if on the main stand.
If you set the tension in this position the chain will go tighter when the bike is sat on/loaded. As the swinging arm reaches the level/laden position the wheel spindle is at its furthest from the gear box sprocket. It is at around this point that the chain tension needs to be correct. I have found that having the chain what appears to be a bit slack when unloaded or on the centre stand works out correct when loaded.
So, in brief, the A65 chain must be adjusted with the bike under load.
Interestingly the A10 is the opposite and very early A65s with the A10 type swinging arm could well be the same.
I hope this is useful.
Dave.